What to use instead of round cardamom
Quick answer
The closest option is Green cardamom, rated good. Green cardamom is the spice round cardamom stands in for in its own region, and the reverse works in a braise: the cardamom note is kept, with more flower and less eucalyptus.
It will not do for: Where the cool, camphor-and-eucalyptus note is the point; Recipes that call for "white cardamom" meaning bleached green cardamom — that is the same species already.
All recorded options
Ranked by suitability. Ratios are given only where they are defensible, and always with their basis — by weight or by volume — because spice densities differ.
Green cardamom
Good matchUse: ~0.5× by volume — About half the number of pods: green cardamom is stronger and more floral.
Green cardamom is the spice round cardamom stands in for in its own region, and the reverse works in a braise: the cardamom note is kept, with more flower and less eucalyptus.
| Flavour | Aroma | Colour | Heat |
|---|---|---|---|
| partial | partial | different | n/a |
Works for
- Chinese braising bundles and master stocks
- Thai massaman paste
Does not work for
- Where the cool, camphor-and-eucalyptus note is the point
- Recipes that call for "white cardamom" meaning bleached green cardamom — that is the same species already